By Pempho Kantayeni
LILONGWE-(MANA)-President Chakwera has stated that infrastructure projects such as the six-lane highway are key to unlocking economic potential by enhancing mobility and efficiency.
The President made the remarks during the official opening of the newly constructed Lilongwe city roads, namely the Saulos Klaus Chilima Highway and Mzimba Street.
Chakwera emphasized that the newly constructed roads in Lilongwe will help decongest traffic, ease mobility, and boost economic operations in the country.
Chakwera named the country’s first-ever six-lane road in memory of the late Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC), highlighting that just as Chilima was known for his time management skills, the new roads are helping Malawians save valuable time on the road.
“We should take a lesson from SKC in valuing time, as punctuality remains a challenge in the country. Embracing SKC’s trait is crucial for Malawi’s sustainable growth and development,” the President said.
The President emphasized his government’s commitment to delivering improved road designs and implementing them on schedule, noting that this will strengthen Malawi’s economy by enhancing the road network.
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, commended the President for the newly constructed roads, praising their durability and contribution to beautifying the city.
Hara added that the President has pledged to expand the M1 roads in Lilongwe and across the country to ensure improved mobility and efficiency on the roads.
“We intend to expand Mzimba Street from the Crossroads Roundabout to the Western Bypass Road, including upgrading the road from Kamuzu Central Roundabout to Mchesi on the M1 into a four-lane road,” said Hara.
The highway features a unique pavement structure with a 50-millimeter surfacing of Asphalt concrete and a 200-millimeter gravel surface.
The project is celebrated as a significant achievement in road infrastructure development in Malawi.
